Shuttle bin

ABSTRACT

An apparatus such as a shuttle bin includes an upper frame, a lower frame hingeably connected to the upper frame, a storage body operatively connected to the upper frame for storing material and a roller assembly operatively connected to the upper frame. The roller assembly is adapted to draw the storage body taut to unload the material stored in the storage body as the upper frame hinges away from the lower frame. The storage body may be formed of a pliable material such as a mesh or canvas.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. Ser. No.12/255,137 filed Oct. 21, 2008. now U.S. Pat. No. 8,287,225 whichapplication claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/027,657, filed Feb. 11, 2008, and hereinincorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to unloading of materials.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides for a method and apparatus for theunloading of materials. To assist in understanding the presentinvention, problems which may be addressed by the present invention arediscussed in the context of grass clippings. The present invention isnot, however, limited to grass clippings as it may be used for unloadingof other types of materials, including, but not limited to, particulatematter or other types of materials which do not flow well.

In lawn care services, grass clippings are collected, transported, andunloaded. The disposal of grass clippings is a part of the lawn careservice. Unloading a trailer full of grass clippings can take 5 to 10 ormore minutes to manually unload. This aspect of handling grass clippingsadds cost and time to lawn care services.

Another problem with transporting and unloading grass clippings is thatthe grass quickly begins to decompose. Decomposing clippings clump andcling together. This also results in an odor and grass clippings whichstick to containers in which the clippings are transported as well asindividuals who manually unload the clippings. It is further observedthat grass clippings, or other types of chopped forage material do notflow well, thus even if dumped from a container, manual labor is neededto more completely remove the material from the container. Thus, toremove grass clippings the container in which they are transported mayrequire frequent cleaning such as through pressure washing, furtheradding to the time and cost of providing lawn care services. Theproblems may become even more pronounced where grass clippings are leftwithin the container for extended periods of time allowing significantdecay to occur before the container is emptied.

Similar problems are encountered with the unloading of other types ofmaterials from wagons or other types of containers.

What is needed is an apparatus and method for unloading grass clippingsand other types of materials which addresses problems with unloading.

Therefore, it is a primary object, feature, or advantage of the presentinvention to improve over the state of the art.

It is a further object, feature, or advantage of the present inventionto provide an apparatus and method for loading grass clippings or othertypes of materials into a bin or container.

A still further object, feature, or advantage of the present inventionis to provide an apparatus and method for unloading grass clippings orother types of materials from a bin or other container.

One or more of these and/or other objects, features, or advantages ofthe present invention will become apparent from the specification andclaims that follow. No single embodiment need exhibit all of theseobjects, features, or advantages.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus isprovided. The apparatus includes an upper frame, a lower frame hingeablyconnected to the upper frame, a storage body operatively connected tothe upper frame for storing material and a roller assembly operativelyconnected to the upper frame. The roller assembly is adapted to draw thestorage body taut to unload the material stored in the storage body asthe upper frame hinges away from the lower frame. The storage body maybe formed of a pliable material such as a mesh or canvas.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatusincludes an upper frame, a lower frame hingeably connected to the upperframe, a cylinder operatively connected between the upper frame and thelower frame for raising and lowering the upper frame, a storage bodyoperatively connected to the upper frame for storing material, thestorage body formed of a pliable material, a roller assembly operativelyconnected to the upper frame, and a loading assembly operativelyconnected to the lower frame for loading the material into the storagebody.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method foroperating a chipping bin is provided. The method includes loadingparticulate matter into a loading assembly of the chipping bin, raisingthe loading assembly, pivoting the loading assembly during raising theloading assembly to dump the particulate matter into a pliable storagebody operatively connected to a frame of the chipping bin, lowering theloading assembly, pivoting an upper portion of the frame away from alower portion of the frame, and rolling the pliable storage body using aroller as the upper portion of the frame pivots to assist in dumping theparticulate matter from the pliable storage body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a bin in a first position inwhich the bin may be loaded.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the bin in a second positionin which the bin may be unloaded.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a loading assembly for loading the bin.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the loading assembly operativelyconnected to the bin.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the bin in a storage position.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the bin transitioning towards a dump position.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the bin in a dump position.

FIG. 8 is a side view with the lift transitioning upwardly.

FIG. 9 is a side view with the lift pivoting inwardly.

FIG. 10 is a side view with the lift pivoting further inwardly.

FIG. 11 is a side view with the lift pivoting further inwardly to emptyparticulate matter into the bin.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view with the lift raised and pivoted inwardlyfor loading particulate matter into the bin.

FIG. 13 is a top view of an articulated lift.

FIG. 14 is a top view of the articulated lift in a different position.

FIG. 15 is a top view of the articulated lift in a different position.

FIG. 16 is a top view of the articulated lift in a different position.

FIG. 17 is a top view of the articulated lift in a different positionwhich would allow loading of the bin from the rear of the trailer.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the articulated lift in a rear loadingposition.

FIG. 19 is a top view of the articulated lift in another loadingposition.

FIG. 20 is a top view of a loader used with two bins.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a loader used with two bins.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the bin with the loader folded fortransport.

FIG. 23 is another perspective view of the bin with the loader folder upfor transport.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the bin on a trailer.

FIG. 25 is another perspective view of the bin on a trailer.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 27 is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 is a front view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 26.

FIG. 29 is an end view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 26.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the presentinvention where multiple rollers are used.

FIG. 31 is a view of the capture assembly.

FIG. 32 is a view of the first roller assembly.

FIG. 33 is a side view of the storage body path about the first andsecond rollers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Although the present invention is generally described with respect tograss clippings associated with lawn care, the present invention is notto be limited to this specific application. The present invention may beused with other types of materials. Although the present invention maybe used with any number of types of material, one advantage of thepresent invention is that it may be used with particulate matter whichhas properties which make it resistant to being bulk flowable. Examplesof such materials include chopped forage materials, silage, and othermaterials. Examples of properties of materials which are resistant tobeing bulk flowable include light weight (which hinders gravity flow)and moisture absorbent which can also hinder flow. However, the presentinvention may also be used with bulk flowable materials, includinggrain.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a shuttle bin 10. Theshuttle bin is suitable for placing on or mounting to a trailer (notshown). When mounted on a trailer the shuttle bin may be configured toprovide dumping to the side of the trailer or to the end of the trailer.When mounted to a trailer the shuttle bin may be configured for loadingon the side of the trailer or at the end of the trailer, or multipleshuttle bins may be mounted on the trailer. Instead of mounting on atrailer, the shuttle bin may be mounted on or to a truck bed.

The shuttle bin 10 includes a lower frame 12 and an upper frame 14. Thelower frame 12 is constructed by members 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32,34, 36, 38, 39, 40. The upper frame 14 is hingeably connected to thelower frame 12 using hinges 37. In addition, cylinders 16 areoperatively connected between the lower frame 12 and the upper frame 14and are used to open the shuttle bin. At one end of the upper frame 14,a roller assembly 50 is positioned which includes a roller 53 and aguide 51. The upper frame 14 is an open frame and a storage body isoperatively connected to the upper frame 14 and extends downwardly intothe lower frame 12 when the shuttle bin is in the position shown inFIG. 1. The storage body is made of a pliable material. The rollerassembly 50 provides for tightening the storage body as the shuttle bin10 transitions into an unloading position.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the shuttle bin 10 in an open positionin which the shuttle bin may be unloaded. Note that the cylinders 16allow the shuttle bin 10 to hinge open for unloading.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a loading assembly 41. FIG. 4 shows theloading assembly 41 connected to the frame. The loading assembly 41includes both a first support surface 42 and a back board 44. Theloading assembly 41 is operative connected to the lower frame 12. Theloading assembly 41 is raised and lowered such as by a loading actuatorcylinder 46. The loading assembly 41 also includes a pivot member 43.Once the loading assembly is raised sufficiently with the loadingactuator cylinder 46, the back board 44 can pivot due to the weight of aload on the loading assembly 41. As the member 44 pivots, materialforming the load is emptied from the loading assembly 41 into a storagebody. Thus, in this manner the storage body which is suspended from theupper frame 14 may be filled. The backboard functions as a loadingchute. As shown, the width of the backboard decreases to facilitate flowof particulate matter into the bin. However, the width of the backboardneed not decrease, and in some applications it is preferred that it doesnot. For example, where material is lightweight, in a windy environmentit may be preferable to have the width of the backboard decrease, butdoing so may result in the center of the bin being filled and not theedges. Thus, it may be preferable to not have the width of the backboarddecrease along its length.

FIG. 5 is a side view illustrating the shuttle bin 10 with the storagebody 70 in place. The storage body 70 is preferably a pliable,soft-sided material such as a fabric, textile, or plastic material. Oneexample of a pliant, soft-sided textile material which may be used is afiber mesh. A material such as fiber mesh allows air to contact theparticulate matter. This is advantageous as it slows the biologicaldeterioration of the particulate matter. Where the material is atextile, the textile may be of various types, and from various sourcesincluding animal, plant, mineral, and synthetic. Another example of amaterial that can be used is canvas. The present invention contemplatesthat other types of materials can be used. The present invention furtherrecognizes that some of these materials are breathable and allows forair to easily permeate through the material so as to assist in slowingbiological deterioration of the grass clippings or other particulatematter.

As shown in FIG. 5, the storage body 70 is configured such that it willhold particulate matter. The storage body 70 has a portion which iswrapped around a roller 50. The storage body 70 is connected along oneside of the upper frame 14. The storage body 70 may be connected to theupper frame in any number of ways such as through use of any number oftypes of fasteners. An opposite end of the storage body 70 passesthrough a roller assembly 50 and is operatively connected to the lowerframe 12. The storage body 70 may be connected to the lower frame in anynumber of ways such as through use of any number of types of fastenersor connectors. One convenient method of connecting the storage body 70to the lower frame is through the use of bungee cords. Thisconfiguration with the storage body attached to the upper frame at oneside and with the opposite side passing through a roller and connectingto the lower frame reduces the size of the storage area formed by thestorage body as the bin opens. Thus, the storage body 70 is fed throughthe roller assembly 50 as the upper frame 14 is opened up from the lowerbody 12. This draws the storage body 70 taut as the contents of thestorage body 70 facilitating dumping of the particulate matter containedwithin the storage body 70. The taut surface 72 of the storage bodyallows for emptying the storage body in a clean and effective manner toremove all or substantially all particles from the storage body. Becauseof the effectiveness of this unloading, little cleaning need be done, ifany, thereby reducing the labor associated with using the shuttle bin10.

FIG. 5 through FIG. 7 show a progression of positions encountered duringthe dumping process. In FIG. 6, note that the size of the storage areaprovided by the storage body decreases as the bin opens for dumping. InFIG. 7, a substantially taut surface 72 is provided as the storage bodyis drawn through the roller so that all of the particulate matter may bedumped.

FIG. 8 illustrates the loading assembly 41 or loader operativelyconnected to the bin. FIG. 9 illustrates the loading assembly 41 at aposition where the support surface 42 and backboard 44 have been raisedupwardly and have began tilting on pivot 43 from a vertical position forthe backboard 44 towards a horizontal position. FIG. 10 illustrates theloading assembly raised further upward with the backboard 44 pivoting onpivot 43 to a substantially horizontal position. FIG. 11 illustrates theloading assembly raised even further upward and pivoting on pivot sothat the backboard 44 moves beyond the horizontal. As previouslyexplained, the backboard 44 functions as a loading chute.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view with the lift 41 raised and pivotedinwardly for loading particulate matter into the bin 10. Note that theshape of the backboard 44 allows the backboard 44 to function as aloading chute.

FIG. 13 is a top view of an articulated lift which includes anarticulated joint 80.

FIG. 14 is a top view of the articulated lift in a different positionwith the lift starting to swing around. The articulated joint 80multiples the utility of the lift 41. FIG. 15 is a top view of thearticulated lift in a different position. FIG. 16 is a top view of thearticulated lift in a different position. In this position the loader 41could be used to a second bin or trailer. FIG. 17 is a top view of thearticulated lift in a different position which would allow loading ofthe bin 10 from the rear of the trailer. FIG. 18 is a perspective viewof the articulated lift in a rear loading position. FIG. 19 is a topview of the articulated lift in another loading position.

FIG. 20 is a top view of a loader used with two bins 41. FIG. 21 is aperspective view of a loader used with two bins 41. FIG. 22 is aperspective view of the bin 10 with the loader 41 folded for transport.FIG. 23 is another perspective view of the bin 10 with the loader 41folded up for transport.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the bin 10 on a trailer 84. The trailer84 has a plurality of wheels 86. The trailer 84 also includes side rails88. FIG. 25 is another perspective view of the bin 10 on a trailer 84.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a bin. The bin 10is similar to the bin of FIG. 1. Note, however, that bin 10 includesadditional support structures such as cross member 102. The bin 10 alsoincludes expanded metal mesh sides 104 on opposite sides of the bin toprovide for further support and for retaining the storage body 70 withinthe bin. Also, the loader 41 has a support surface 42 which is shapeddifferently. FIG. 26 is a perspective view of another embodiment of thepresent invention. FIG. 27 is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG.26. FIG. 28 is a front view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 26. FIG. 29is an end view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 26.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the presentinvention where multiple rollers are used. More than one roller may beused, particularly where the container is deep. As shown in FIG. 30, adouble roller may be used. The second roller 120 is located atop member40. Associated with the first roller assembly 100 are a roller 103 andstorage body capture bars 101. The storage body capture bars 101 areadapted with a circular opening which allows the first roller to engagethereby retaining yet allowing the capture bars to swivel, rotate andchange angles as necessary to keep the storage body 70 from binding. Thestorage body 70 is secured to the capture bars 101 by nuts 107 and bolts105 spaced evenly across the surface. Refer to FIG. 32 for a detail viewof first roller assembly 100. As seen in FIG. 31, the storage body 70 iscaptured by assembly 110. The storage body 70 top surface retainer 114is preferably a square tube and the lower surface retainer 116 is angleiron, but may also be a square tube. The edge of the storage body may behemmed to create a cylindrical opening to accept the capture rod 112.FIG. 33 is a side view which shows the storage body 70 path from captureassembly 110 to first roller assembly 100. The use of a double roller isadvantageous in various configurations. For example, if it is desired tomake the container deeper, while still providing for complete dumping ofthe container, then using a double roller allows the storage body totransition more rapidly, In addition, the hinge may located higher onthe frame where a double roller is used. Note there is a desiredrelationship between the opening of the frame (which occurs as the upperframe hinges open relative to the lower frame) and the drawing of thestorage body taut. In the desired relationship, the storage body isdrawn taut proximate the top of the travel of the upper body. In apreferred embodiment, the upper frame should hinge open enough that thestorage body becomes substantially upright so that even material whichdoes not flow well is dumped from the bin. It is contemplated, however,that the upper frame need not open as fully if the bin is to be used formaterials that do flow well, such as grain. It is to be furtherunderstood that any number of additional rollers may be used.

It is to be further understood that the present invention may be usedfor containing and dumping any number of types of materials. It is to beunderstood that various modifications or alterations may be made basedupon the type of material. For example, the material may be a grain.Grains are generally heavier than grass clippings. Thus, when used forgrains the tarp material may also be re-enforced such as with extrastrips of material.

The present invention may also be used for handling of cellulosicmaterials, forestry products (such as wood chips or wood pellets),manure and other types of materials. Where the material to be handled isheavier (such as manure) the tarp material may be re-enforced and/ormade from a heavier or stronger material. For an application such asmanure, the tarp material may also be vinyl coated. In addition, in someapplications it may be more desirable to have a deeper bin. In someapplications, multiple bins may be used.

Therefore a shuttle bin has been disclosed. It should be appreciatedthat the present invention contemplates numerous variations in therelative sizes and shapes of the upper frame and lower frame. The binmay be mounted on a trailer, or on a self-propelled device or otherwiseto make the bin mobile for conveying material from a first location to asecond location. The present invention also contemplates that where theload contained in the storage body is relatively heavy, the storage bodymay be reinforced as necessary. The present invention contemplates thata backboard where used may or may not be tapered. The present inventioncontemplates that the lift may include an articulating joint, that asingle lift may be used to fill multiple bins. These and othervariations, options, and alternatives fall within the spirit and scopeof the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus configured for use on a truck bed ortrailer, comprising: an upper frame having a first end and an oppositesecond end and a first side and an opposite second side, the ends andsides defining a lower perimeter of the upper frame; a lower framehaving a first end and an opposite second end, and a first side and anopposite second side, the ends and sides of the lower frame defining anupper perimeter; the upper perimeter of the lower frame hingeablyconnected to the lower perimeter of the upper frame, such that the upperframe is pivotal between a lowered loading position and a raised dumpingposition; a pliable storage body fixed at opposite ends to the upperframe and the lower frame, respectively, at all times of use, forstoring material; a first roller assembly operatively connected to theupper frame at the first end; wherein the first roller assembly isadapted to draw the storage body taut to unload the material stored inthe storage body as the upper frame hinges away from the lower frame andover a side of the truck bed or the trailer; wherein in the loadingposition the first end of the upper frame is adjacent the first end ofthe lower frame and a top of the upper frame is open; wherein in thedumping position the upper frame is pivoted up and away from the firstend of the lower frame such that the pliable storage body is pulledtaut; wherein the lower perimeter of the upper frame is above the upperperimeter of the lower frame both in the loading position and thedumping position.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the pliablematerial is a mesh material.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein thepliable material is a canvas material.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1further comprising a cylinder operatively connected between the upperframe and the lower frame for raising and lowering the upper frame. 5.The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first roller assembly comprises afirst roller and first and second storage body capture bars.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 1 further comprising a second idler roller assemblyoperatively connected to the lower frame to facilitate drawing thestorage body taut as the upper frame is pivoted to the dumping position.7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the pliable body extends over thefirst roller assembly without being fixed thereto.
 8. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the first roller assembly is an idler roller.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein the first roller assembly is a non-drivenroller.
 10. An apparatus configured for use on a truck bed or trailer,comprising; an upper frame having opposite first and second ends; alower frame having opposite first and second ends and hingeablyconnected to the upper frame; a cylinder operatively connected betweenthe upper frame and the lower frame to pivot the upper frame relative tothe lower frame between a lowered loading position and a raised dumpingposition; a storage body having first and second ends fixed to the upperframe and lower frame, respectively, during all times of use, thestorage body formed of a pliable material; a first idler roller assemblyoperatively connected to the upper frame at the first end; and whereinthe first idler roller assembly is adapted to draw the storage body tautas the upper frame pivots away from the lower frame toward the dumpingposition to unload the material stored in the storage body over a sideof the truck bed or the trailer.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10 whereinthe storage body comprises mesh.
 12. The apparatus of claim 10 whereinthe storage body comprises canvas.
 13. The apparatus of claim 10 whereinthe first roller assembly comprises a first roller and first and secondstorage body capture bars.
 14. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein theupper frame has a bottom perimeter and the lower frame has a topperimeter, and the bottom perimeter of the upper frame resides above thetop perimeter of the lower frame in both the loading and dumpingpositions.
 15. The apparatus of claim 10 further comprising a secondidler roller assembly operatively connected to the lower frame tofacilitate drawing the storage body taut as the upper frame is pivotedto the dumping position.
 16. A method for operating a shuttle bin,comprising: providing a shuttle bin having (a) an upper frame with firstand second ends, (b) a lower frame with first and second ends, (c) thesecond end of the lower frame hingeably connected to the second end ofthe upper frame, such that the upper frame is pivotal between a loweredloading position and a raised dumping position; (d) a pliable storagebody for storing material and having opposite ends fixed to the upperframe and to the lower frame, respectively, at all times of use, (e) afirst idler roller assembly operatively connected to the upper frame atthe first end; positioning the upper frame in the loading position sothat the storage body extends into the second frame; and then loadingmaterial onto the storage body; and then pivoting the upper frame awayfrom the lower frame from the loading position to the dumping position;rolling the pliable storage body over the first idler roller assembly asthe upper frame pivots; and pulling one end of the body away from theopposite end of the storage body as the upper frame moves from theloading position to the dumping position to draw the storage body tautand thereby dump material from the storage body.
 17. The method of claim16 further comprising conveying the shuttle bin from a first location toa second location before dumping the material from the pliable storagebody.
 18. The method of claim 16 wherein the first roller assemblycomprises a first roller and first and second storage body capture bars.19. The method of claim 16 further comprising rolling the storage bodyover a second idler roller assembly on the lower frame as the upperframe pivots to the dumping position.
 20. The method of claim 16 furthercomprising maintaining a lower perimeter of the upper frame above anupper perimeter of the lower frame at all times.